Vw Golf Electric coming to China in 2013

Few days ago we told you that Volkswagen is going to introduce the Golf BlueMotion in China but it appears that this is not the only new vehicle from the German manufacturer for the Chinese market. According to the latest reports, it appears that the electric version of the Volkswagen Golf is going to hit the Chinese market next year, in 2013.

For those who don’t know, Volkswagen already tested its first global electric vehicle fleet in Beijing last April and in other Chinese cities later that year. In order to make some buzz with its upcoming vehicle, the German carmaker already made public its plans, as it has been holding promotional events in China.

For those who don’t know, the Volkswagen Golf Electric is powered by an electric motor found in the front of the car and capable to deliver a maximum output of 85 kW or 115 hp as well as a maximum torque of 270 Nm. With these numbers, the Golf EV can hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 11.8 seconds and has a top speed of 135 km/h or 83 mph.

Volkswagen Golf has been one of the most successful vehicles in Europe with at least 30 million units sold. With this in mind, the brand is releasing the e-Golf, an electric version of this popular car with drive technology that offers a tailpipe having zero emissions. This four-door EV will be the first from the brand to have headlights that fully utilize LEDs as standard for all the models.

Compared to xenon systems, it not only produces more light but is even more energy-efficient. The standard daytime running lights with LED, fitted as standard as well, is just as energy efficient and comes in a C-shaped design, a trademark of many of the brand’s EVs. Another prominent feature is the radiator grille, particularly its bottom strip. While similar in style to what is seen in the Golf GTI, it doesn’t come in red but rather in blue.

It goes to the headlights, following the “Think Blue” Campaign, and highlights its environmental-friendliness. Further, it is easy to recognize that this is a Volkswagen through the alloy Astana wheels, all of which have their aerodynamics optimized. Some of the features inside include the automatic climate control, heated windscreen, steering wheel in leather, and the parking heater/ventilation.

Fitted as well are the advanced navigation system and the “Discover Pro” radio. Aside from being efficient, it is agile as well as it has the attributes that are clearly the best for its segment. Power consumption for example is a low 12.7 kW for every 100 km. Its use of an advanced technological system not only resulted in better aerodynamics with cd at 0.281, it also managed to have the ideal rolling resistance. This meant that when compared to competitors that use steel, it is more energy efficient by 10%. Energy expenses are estimated at €3.28 per 100 km.

The e-Golf will be unveiled during the 2013 International Motor Show in Frankfurt with official launching in the Europe market slated for 2014. It will then be released in the North American market, as well as the Asian market, either during the latter part of 2014 or the early part of 2015. At the same motor show, Volkswagen will also be making the official debut of its e-up!, another battery-powered car. With the e-Golf, Volkswagen is now offering all types of its drive system.